D-chiro Inositol For Weight Loss, Insulin Sensitivity & PCOS

Clinical studies examining the effects of D-chiro inositol for weight loss have shown some positive results for those who are overweight and/or obese.

Inositol is a sugar alcohol that is related to glucose. It plays a role in how fat is transported from the liver to other parts of the body. It acts as an emulsifier, which means it helps to break down fats so they are more readily used for energy.

Research has demonstrated that taking D-chiro inositol and myo-inositol together may promote weight loss in certain situations.

However, this supplement should not be viewed as a miracle fat burner. While it may contribute to increased metabolism of fats, a healthy diet and exercise are necessary to achieve lasting weight loss results.

Inositol

Nutrient Supplement

Brain Health

Mood

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Supports brain & liver health
• Involved in mood regulation & nerve signalling
• Improves insulin sensitivity for PCOS, fertility & weight loss

Dosage:

Between 500 mg - 18 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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What is D-chiro Inositol?

D-chiro inositol is one of the 9 known stereoisomers of the commonly found, natural carbohydrate, Inositol.

Stereoisomers are chemical compounds that have the exact same molecular structure. The only differences between them are the spatial orientations of the molecular constituents.

The nine forms of inositol are allo inositol, epi inositol, muco inositol, L-chiro inositol, neo inositol, myo inositol, scyllo inositol, cis inositol and D-chiro inositol. All forms have the molecular formula, C6H12O6.

D-chiro inositol is under ongoing clinical studies to ascertain its specific roles in the brain and body. It is believed that some of the effects of this nutrient may be very helpful for the maintenance of healthy weight levels.

How Inositol Works in the Body

The term “inositol” is a blanket name for the group of the 9 stereoisomers listed above. Inositol derivatives are known to be essential for survival. The group demonstrates vitamin-like qualities, yet there is controversy about calling inositol a proper vitamin because the body is able to manufacture it internally.

That means it is not essential that we derive it from food sources like other vitamins. Inositol was previously classified in the B-Vitamin family and was called Vitamin B8. With more recent research, it has been determined that Inositol is not a true vitamin and it is no longer classified that way.

Inositol carries the scientific title of cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol. It is classified as a six-folded cyclohexane alcohol molecule. Inositol is a light-colored, simple sugar carbohydrate found in all eukaryotic organisms.

Better defined, it is a polyol (complex alcohol) that is vital in shaping the cells of every multicellular organism known. Inositol is integral for the formation, development, regulation, migration and even the apoptosis (natural death) of all cells. It is also imperative for efficient gene expression.

Inositol is utilized by the body and central nervous system for a large variety of functions, aside from the development, maintenance and regulation of cells and their activities. These include, but are not not limited to:

• Delivering the messages of primary neurotransmitters within cells
• Emulsifying fats and fatty acids, including triglycerides and LDL cholesterol
• Increasing insulin sensitivity and thereby reversing many conditions that may arise from compensatory hyperinsulinemia

D-chiro Inositol for Weight Loss

A study from 2009, published in the Massachusetts Medical Journal reported the results of an 8-week trial with 44 obese women. These women were also diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

A test group of 22 were administered a D-chiro inositol supplement at the dosage of 1200 mg per day. Myo inositol supplementation was also added to the group’s daily dosage at 4 grams per day. The remaining control group was administered a placebo.

The following clinical results were reported:

• Serum triglyceride levels decreased significantly
• LDL cholesterol levels dropped by more than 50%
• Saturated fats were better metabolized
• Androgenic hormones, like testosterone, diminished considerably
• Insulin sensitivity increased dramatically
• Glucose was disposed of much more efficiently
• Diastolic and systolic blood pressure levels dropped significantly

Those given D-chiro inositol and myo-inositol also experienced a reduction in body weight. Further results from that clinical study yielded that 88% of the test group experienced a return to completely normal ovulation patterns. Androgenic issues like hirsutism (uncontrolled body hair growth, especially in women), acne, and others were effectively remedied.

Researchers believe that the reduced insulin resistance seen with the d-chiro inositol/myo inositol treatment was able to improve the hormonal and metabolic effects including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and obesity often associated with PCOS. These effects may be seen in people without PCOS but with these other conditions alone.

More research is still needed to determine all the effects Inositol may have on weight loss. At this time the FDA has not approved Inositol as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions. Inositol is available as a dietary supplement only.

D-chiro Inositol Uses

Taking a D-chiro supplement to help lose weight may present a variety of other seeming unrelated benefits. Because inositol is required for so many body and mind roles, supplementation for one purpose can very likely enhance performance in other ways too.

In fact, there have been clinical studies about using inositol and its derived forms for:

• Treating depression, panic disorder and schizophrenia
• Helping to alleviate the challenges of ADHD, ADD and autism
• Relieving negative side effects of lithium therapy
• Treating Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions
• Alleviating diabetic neuropathy

How to Take D-chiro Inositol

If you want to take D-chiro inositol for weight loss, it is important to consider that this form is not readily found in nature like some other more prevalent inositol stereoisomers.

For instance, myo inositol, the most common form of inositol, is found in a variety of common food sources including green leafy vegetables, various fruits, beans, legumes and especially organ meats like liver and heart tissue.

D-chiro inositol, on the other hand, is not found in many foods at all. In fact, the choices are limited to buckwheat and fig leaves. Because of the lacking availability of D-chiro inositol in natural food sources, the body must manufacture its own supply when needed.

Myo inositol is utilized to manufacture D-chiro inositol via the action of epimerase, an isomerase enzyme that catalyzes biological molecules to invert stereochemically. So, in order to effectively elevate your D-chiro levels, you will either need to take a D-chiro supplement, or ensure that your body has readily available stores of myo inositol and epimerase.

Please consult with your doctor before beginning supplementation of D-chiro inositol for weight loss. All supplementation should be researched, understood and approved of by your physician before implementing.

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